Babar Azam set to be dropped for second Test against England

Babar Azam is set to be dropped from the squad for the second Test against England. The newly formed selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in favor of excluding Babar from the playing XI. This decision comes just hours after the team's loss in the first Test, following a meeting in Lahore.

After suffering an innings defeat to England in Multan, Pakistan is contemplating significant changes to their lineup for the second Test, with Babar Azam being the most notable name on the chopping block.

Babar's recent performances in Test cricket have been disappointing. Since December 2022, he has not scored a half-century in any Test match. In the first Test against England, he managed only 35 runs across two innings on a flat pitch. Since the beginning of 2023, Babar's batting average in nine Tests has dropped below 21.

Notably, Babar has not played a single first-class match since 2019. If he is excluded from the national team, he may make an appearance in the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The second Test against England is scheduled to start on October 15 in Multan.